Potential wet start on Sunday 'excites' Hamilton

Despite his lack of wet running and a tricky launch process, Lewis Hamilton would relish a wet start tomorrow if the lousy weather forecast is confirmed.

Most drivers have only limited knowledge of their new-spec cars shod with Pirelli's 2017 wet weather tyres, but Hamilton isn't deterred by the prospect of a wet track tomorrow, believing it will spice up proceedings in a great way.

"It think that would be so exciting, particularly as the starts are so much harder than before" said Hamilton.

"There's going to be a lot of variability tomorrow. It's very hard to figure out where you've got to put your hand (on the clutch).

"You have to drop it (the clutch) to a certain target, but there's no reference point. You're just guessing and you hope that you hit it.

"Missing it by just a bit can make all the difference between on whether you get wheelspin or you don't. It's tough."

• Hamilton thwarts Vettel for pole in China

Hamilton said he was savouring Ferrari's challenge which is forcing him to step up his game in the cockpit.

"The Ferraris have looked so fast through practice this morning and each qualifying session so we knew it was going to be close and it would mean we'd have to pull out all the stops and really have a perfect lap, a solid lap.

"It's more exciting than ever for me because we're really fighting these guys. It's amazing, and I think that's what racing is all about.

"It really pushes you to have to raise the bar every time you head out which I love."

Gallery: All the pictures from Saturday's action in Shanghai

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